The Curated Plate is a ten-day food festival running 24 July to 2 August 2026 across Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The program includes exclusive chef dinners, outdoor seafood feasts, farm tours, and cooking masterclasses with acclaimed local and international chefs, led by culinary director Peter Kuruvita. If you are planning a winter escape built around food, this is Queensland’s most significant regional culinary event.
What Is The Curated Plate?
The Curated Plate is a ten-day celebration of food, hospitality, and local produce that uses the entire Sunshine Coast as its venue. Events are spread across beachfront locations at Mooloolaba Wharf, farm-to-table masterclasses in hinterland towns including Maleny and Montville, and special experiences at sites like Australia Zoo in Beerwah. The program ranges from multi-course chef dinners to outdoor seafood feasts, cooking workshops, farm tours, and Indigenous food experiences honouring the Kabi and Jinibara peoples’ culinary heritage.
The festival launched in 2019 and quickly earned a reputation as one of regional Queensland’s standout food events. After a brief hiatus it returned with a stronger program, receiving recognition as Best Small Regional Event award at the national Australian Event Awards in 2024. With more than 30 events across ten days, the festival draws food enthusiasts from across Australia and internationally.
Source: Visit Sunshine Coast
When The Curated Plate Runs and Where Events Take Place
The Curated Plate 2026 runs from 24 July to 2 August. This winter window suits outdoor dining. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, July and August on the Sunshine Coast average 15 to 22 degrees celsius with low humidity and minimal rainfall, making beachfront and hinterland events comfortable in the evenings.
Events are spread across the full Sunshine Coast region. Coastal venues include Mooloolaba Wharf and Maroochydore. Hinterland settings include Montville and Maleny. Unique locations such as Australia Zoo in Beerwah also feature in the program. This geographic spread gives attendees a genuine cross-section of the region’s food culture, from coastal seafood traditions to farming communities and rainforest settings, all within one festival.
Good to know: July is typically the driest month of the two. If you prefer smaller crowds, first week events in July may be slightly quieter than those in the final festival week, though popular chef dinners sell out regardless of timing.
Highlights and Event Types Across the Ten Days
Culinary director Peter Kuruvita shapes the 2026 program across five core experience types.
Signature Chef Dinners
Multi-course meals hosted by acclaimed local and international chefs at premier Sunshine Coast restaurants. These are intimate, ticketed experiences often capped at small groups, allowing direct time with the chefs. Past venues have included The Long Apron and Spirit House .
Outdoor and Beachfront Events
Seafood feasts and casual dining at Mooloolaba Wharf and other coastal venues, where fresh catch and local produce are served under open skies. These events tend to run in the early evening, when the July light over the water is at its best.
Farm Tours and Masterclasses
Hands-on cooking workshops and behind-the-scenes producer experiences in the hinterland. Past events have included visits to local cheese makers such as Woombye Cheese Company, where you taste the product at the farm where it is made, not at a generic food hall. Farm tours at dusk are a regular feature.
Indigenous Food Experiences
Dedicated sessions celebrating First Nations cuisines and cultural contributions, honouring the Kabi and Jinibara peoples’ connection to the region’s food systems. These events have been a consistent feature of the festival program since its return.
Sustainability-Focused Events
A focus on local, seasonal produce and ethical food practices runs through the full program. Expect discussions about how regional seafood, seasonal vegetables, and artisanal products connect to farming practices and coastal ecosystems.
Ticketing, Pricing, and How to Book
The Curated Plate offers flexibility. You can attend a single event or bundle multiple experiences across the ten days. The table below reflects historical pricing structures.
| Category | Details |
| Ticketing System | Tickets are sold separately for each event rather than through a festival-wide pass. |
| Price Range | Approximately AUD $20 to over AUD $300, depending on the event and experience. |
| Booking Platform | Tickets are available through Humanitix via The Curated Plate’s official website. |
| What’s Included | Admission to the selected event only. Food, beverages, workshops, or entertainment vary by event. |
| Booking Advice | Popular experiences often sell out early, so advance booking is recommended. |
| Refund Policy | Refer to the individual Humanitix event page for the applicable cancellation and refund terms. |
Tickets typically become available from April 2026 via the official festival website The Curated Plate . Popular events, particularly those featuring internationally known chefs, historically sell within days of release. Booking as soon as tickets go live is strongly recommended.
Check before you go: Pricing, availability, and the full event schedule as many are ticketed events. Monitor thecuratedplate.com.au and official social media channels.
Practical Tips for Attending The Curated Plate
Best for: Anyone attending events across both coastal and hinterland locations who wants to move freely between venues.
Getting around: Because events span Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Montville, Maleny, and Beerwah, hiring a car is the most practical option. Ride-sharing apps and local shuttle services may operate during the festival period, though advance booking is advisable.
What to wear: Most events are casual to smart casual. Pack layers, as hinterland evenings run cooler than coastal venues and outdoor dinners can turn cold after dark. Closed-toe shoes are essential for farm tours; sandals suit beachfront events.
What to bring: Sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle for daytime events. Insect repellent is useful for outdoor farm experiences held around dusk in the hinterland.
Dietary requirements: Note any dietary needs or allergies when booking. Most organisers accommodate these with advance notice. For complex requirements, contact the venue directly before purchasing tickets to confirm they can cater for you.
Where to Stay During The Curated Plate
The festival’s spread from coast to hinterland means your accommodation base shapes which events you can attend most easily.
Coastal Base (Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland or Maroochydore)
Best for: Attendees focusing on beachfront dinners, seafood events at Mooloolaba Wharf, and coastal restaurants, or those combining festival attendance with beach time.
Mooloolaba places you within walking distance of Wharf events. Maroochydore sits centrally along the coast and suits anyone splitting time across multiple coastal venues. Alexandra Headland sits between the two, with easy access to both. Sunshine Coast Getaways lists self-contained apartments and beachfront properties across Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland, and Maroochydore if you need help finding a place to stay.
Source: Visit Sunshine Coast
Hinterland Base (Montville or Maleny)
Best for: Attendees prioritising farm tours, producer masterclasses, and a quieter retreat after evening events.
Montville and Maleny offer boutique accommodation including guesthouses and small hotels. Allow 45 to 60 minutes’ driving time to reach coastal events from either town.
| Accommodation Type | Best Suited For | Recommended Area |
| Self-Contained Apartments | Families, groups, longer stays | Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland |
| Beachfront Resorts | Beach focus, convenience to coastal events | Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland |
| Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses | Couples, quieter retreat | Montville, Maleny |
| Farm Stays or Eco-Lodges | Nature lovers, hinterland focus | Montville, Maleny |
Good to know: July and August are peak winter holiday season on the Sunshine Coast. Accommodation in popular areas fills quickly once school holiday dates are confirmed. Book as soon as you have confirmed your event schedule, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of purchasing tickets.
Source: @concreteplayground
Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Curated Plate Trip
Following these steps in order reduces the risk of missing out on high-demand events or losing accommodation options during peak season.
Step 1 — Mark the dates: The festival runs 24 July to 2 August 2026. Begin following the official website and social channels from April 2026 for ticket release announcements.
Step 2 — Decide your event mix: With more than 30 events on the program, decide early whether you want to focus on fine dining, farm tours, masterclasses, or a combination. Prioritising in advance makes it easier to act quickly when tickets release.
Step 3 — Book tickets early: Popular chef dinners and limited-capacity experiences historically sell within days. Check the official festival website from April 2026 and set a reminder for ticket release day.
Step 4 — Secure accommodation: Book immediately after confirming your events. Your event mix determines whether a coastal or hinterland base works better, so settle that question before accommodation availability narrows.
Step 5 — Arrange transport: If hiring a car, book at least two weeks ahead for July travel. If relying on ride-sharing or shuttles, confirm services and booking procedures with your accommodation provider or the festival organisers.
Step 6 — Note dietary or access requirements: Communicate these to event organisers at the time of booking to allow time for confirmation.
For broader trip inspiration, the things to do on the Sunshine Coast guide covers activities to fill days between festival events, and the best time to visit the Sunshine Coast article explains the seasonal conditions in more detail.
Source: Sunshine Coast Getaway
What Makes The Curated Plate Different from Other Food Events
Three things separate The Curated Plate from most Australian food festivals.
First, its geographic diversity. Rather than concentrating events in one precinct, the festival uses the full Sunshine Coast as its stage: beaches, working farms, hinterland towns, and distinctive venues like Australia Zoo. Attendees move through different ecosystems and food cultures across a single ten-day period.
Second, its authentic producer focus. Events are built around regional ingredients and the people who grow and catch them. Tasting Woombye cheese happens at the farm where it is produced. Seafood at beachfront events is sourced hours earlier from local fishers. This is not a food hall with branded stalls.
Third, the depth of chef involvement. Culinary director Peter Kuruvita and a roster of internationally recognised chefs participate across the program, delivering intimate masterclasses and dinners rather than single appearances.
The festival’s sustainability focus reinforces all three. Many events explicitly connect the food on the plate to farming practices, coastal ecosystems, and cultural heritage, reflecting a wider shift in how food events present themselves to informed audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Curated Plate 2026
Q: Do I need to book all events in advance, or can I buy tickets on the day?
A: Most events require advance booking via the festival website. Popular chef dinners and limited-capacity masterclasses regularly sell out before the festival begins. Occasional day-of availability may exist for some events, but it is not guaranteed. To avoid missing the experiences you want, book online as soon as tickets go live in April 2026 and set a reminder for the release date.
Q: What is the refund policy if I cannot attend a ticketed event?
A: Refund and cancellation policies vary by event and venue. Most events include terms and conditions at the time of purchase; read these carefully before booking. Some venues offer date changes or credit toward future events. For specific refund questions after purchase, contact the festival organisers directly at thecuratedplate.com.au.
Q: Are there free events at The Curated Plate?
A: The Curated Plate is primarily a ticketed festival. Some venues may host informal tastings or market-style gatherings with free entry around the event dates, but this varies year to year. Check the full event program once released in April 2026 for any free or pay-as-you-go options, as these are not guaranteed inclusions.
Q: Can I attend if I have dietary restrictions?
A: Yes. When booking, clearly note your dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy needs, in the booking form. Most restaurants and event organisers accommodate these with advance notice. For complex or multiple restrictions, contact the venue directly before purchasing tickets to confirm they can cater for you, as procedures vary.
Q: Is The Curated Plate suitable for families with children?
A: Some events are family-friendly, particularly outdoor feasts and daytime farm tours. Many chef dinners are geared toward adult diners and run late into the evening. Check individual event descriptions when booking to confirm suitability for children. Early-evening farm experiences and casual outdoor events are typically the most family-compatible options.
Q: How far in advance should I book accommodation for the festival?
A: Book accommodation within 24 to 48 hours of confirming your event schedule. July and August are peak winter holiday season on the Sunshine Coast, and apartments, hotels, and guesthouses in Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland, Montville, and Maleny fill quickly once school holiday periods are confirmed. Waiting until closer to the festival significantly reduces your options.
Q: What should I bring to outdoor farm experiences?
A: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent, particularly for farm events held around dusk. A jumper or fleece layer is recommended for evening temperature drops in the hinterland, where July nights can feel noticeably cooler than coastal areas. Check individual event details for any specific recommendations from organisers before attending.
